By Press Release, World Vision On September 21, 2013

A convoy of semi trucks loaded with relief supplies from World Vision headed to the flood-devastated areas of Colorado on Wednesday. Authorities say the disaster has claimed eight lives and has left thousands of people stranded and homeless.

Supplies such as flood clean-up kits, food and hygiene kits, trash bags, and blankets will reach about 7,000 people in the Loveland, Longmont, Fort Collins, and Greeley communities by the weekend, emergency responders say. The trucks were dispatched from World Vision's warehouse in Dallas.

"We're especially concerned about those families who weren't living in flood plains," says Phyllis Freeman, World Vision's domestic disaster response director, noting that those living in flood-prone areas are more likely to hold insurance.

"Without flood insurance, they are just not prepared for this sort of disaster."

Prolonged rains caused massive flooding throughout a region the size of Delaware, displacing thousands of people and destroying more than 1,600 homes. Hundreds of miles of roads are impassable, officials estimated. About 300 people are still unaccounted for.

Damage estimates exceed $150 million, according to the Denver PostExternal Link. President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster in the area. Federal agencies have committed $35 million for relief and rebuilding efforts.

As trucks rush supplies to the disaster zone, a World Vision assessment team will work with partners on the ground to determine how to help beyond initial relief efforts.

"World Vision's long-term commitment means we aren't just there in initial hours of the disaster for relief, but that we'll be walking with [affected families] in their long road toward rebuilding," she says.

How you can help

Please pray for survivors of the terrible flooding in Colorado. Pray for the provision of their basic needs, and pray for communities as they struggle to recover from this disaster.

Make a one-time donation to World Vision's U.S. Disaster Response Fund. Your gift will help us deliver critical assistance to those affected by the floods in Colorado, as well as other sudden-onset emergencies that take place right here in the United States.